Experienced, Results-Oriented Language, Test Prep, And Admissions Tutor

Experienced, Results-Oriented Language, Test Prep, And Admissions Tutor

5.0(3 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

Hi prospective students, my name is Ricky, and I have over 12 years of experience as a professional tutor. I am passionate about tutoring because it helped me achieve academic success in my own life. I struggled with certain subjects when I was a child, but ended up being valedictorian when I graduated from Woodside High School in the Class of 2005, received top scores (5) on my AP exams, and was admitted to 10 universities across the country.

I pride myself on my easygoing and effective tutoring style: being patient, encouraging, and empowering. I work with students to internalize concepts, not just memorize them. When a student begins to cognitively understand something for herself/himself, real learning happens. I am committed to this form of student-centered, top-notch tutoring that gets the best results over time. If the student/parent prefers, I am also happy being more didactic and instructive in my style. Oftentimes, it is a balance that works (with a focus on empowerment and student-centered learning). Finally, I tailor my approach to the student's own learning style, which is critical for academic success. Whether auditory, visual, or kinesthetic, each student learns differently.

In terms of my own academic path, I was honored to receive the Harvard Book Award and to attend Stanford University's Institute on Journalism. I later graduated from Santa Clara University with academic honors and two degrees. Academics are very important to me; my passion for teaching comes from my passion for learning. I love to see the "lightbulb" go off in a student's head as she/he reaches a epiphany. I deeply enjoy helping my students develop by means of a well-rounded education.

My tutoring expertise includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English (ESL or advanced English) and Spanish. I am fully bilingual and fluent in Spanish and have traveled widely in Latin American so I am an academic and cultural expert in terms of tutoring Spanish. Oftentimes, it is the cultural aspects of the language that really pique a student's passion to learn Spanish a second language.

I also specialize in literature, social studies, speech and debate, elementary and middle school mathematics, humanities, political science, pre-law, psychology, environmental science, and a variety of other college-level courses.

College admissions and advising is a key aspect of my tutoring portfolio as well. It has been a privilege to help many students gain admission to their top choices for the next step in their educational journey -- albeit a private high school, an undergraduate college, or a Master's or Doctoral (PhD) program. My students have been admitted to Ivy League schools, top-tier university in the UC system (including Berkeley, Davis, and San Diego), and the top schools nationwide for their respective Master's or Doctoral programs.

I have tutored students of all ages, from preschoolers to elementary school students, all the way through PhD programs and adult learners. As an academic tutor in a local after-school program (Newton Center, Inc.), I worked with 4th and 5th graders at Baywood Elementary, a local school close to the border of San Mateo and Hillsborough. Previously, I was employed as a professional tutor by the Drahmann Learning Resources Center while I attended Santa Clara University, often tutoring students older than myself. I tutored students in a variety of subjects, including English, Spanish, writing, reading comprehension, political science, environmental studies, sociology and more. In addition, I have also tutored many adults (ESL, Spanish, and other subjects). I have recently tutored students (children and adults) from a variety of countries around the world, including Korea, France, China, Japan, Russia, Mexico, India, Bangladesh, South Africa, and more. It is a pleasure to work with students from such diverse backgrounds.

Please contact me with tutoring opportunities or with questions. I am very accessible and look forward to working with you or your child to achieve academic success.


Highlights

1 employee
15 years in business
Serves Burlingame , CA
Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Zelle

Specialties

Student age

Under 5 years old, 5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Current speaking level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Speaking goals

Conversational proficiency, Full professional fluency, Native / bilingual fluency

Current reading level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Current writing level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    XB

    Xiaoyan, B.

    Spanish Lessons
    Ricky is a very responsible tutor. We only had two sessions so far, and my son felt he is learning and making progress. I appreciate very much that Ricky prepares customized home work after each session to reinforce what was taught, and plan ahead what should be taught next time.
    ... Show more
    August 09, 2019

    LC

    Lisa, C.

    Excellent Tutor
    Richard worked with my daughter as she studied for the CSET exam. He came prepared and worked patiently with her to develop/review test taking strategies and specific test tips. We were very impressed!
    ... Show more
    August 09, 2019

    SH

    Sharon, H.

    Ricky is a spectacular tutor - he immediately established a connection with my daughter (who was initially reticent about tutoring)....gave me a thorough synopsis of their session afterward...and was very flexible and understanding about our familys scheduling situation. He is upbeat, positive, very capable, and resonates GREAT with kids. Hes also incredibly organized and together, which I really appreciate as a parent. What a find!
    ... Show more
    August 09, 2019

    Frequently asked questions

    I discuss with my students their goals for tutoring. Then, I work with the prospective student to find a date and time that is convenient for the student/family for a first tutoring session.

    I have worked for professional tutoring companies, including Newton, The Learning Center, Inc. based in Foster City, CA. I have also been a classroom teacher at Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), a network of private campuses working with highly motivated and gifted learners throughout the U.S. In addition, I have been hired as an instructor for school-wide speech and debate clubs and other classes at private residences.
    I typically charge clients by the hour or increment thereof.
    I started tutoring when I was in middle school. I continued throughout high school and college, often teaching students my age or older than myself. I then began tutoring as a professional career and started my own business in 2009.
    I have worked with students from all walks of life and backgrounds, including recently arrived and long-term immigrants as well as students of all ages (including adult learners). I have worked with students learning English as a Second Language (ESL) and others who are native English speakers wishing to learn Spanish.
    One of my long-term students and college admissions advisees was recently admitted to Columbia University! It was such an exciting and proud moment for the whole family!
    Tutoring achieves the best results when the student independently applies what is covered in the sessions. Doing "homework" and coming to the sessions prepared with questions and insights will propel the student's learning at an even faster pace.
    Students should think about their intrinsic motivation. What goals underlie your pursuit of education? What inspires you to continue with your education and excel? Furthermore, thinking through short-term and long-term goals helps to create a trajectory for the client. My lesson plans are then tailored to the short-term goals session by session, and the long-term goals are baked into the whole tutoring process. I'm laser-focused on getting the results that march your goals, so having your goals defined or at least somewhat clarified helps me design the best learning environment for you.

    Services offered

    Spanish
    Speech
    Esl
    College Admissions
    Literature
    Reading And Writing Tutoring